Michael Gove receives peerage in controversial honours list

In the United Kingdom, veteran Conservative politician Michael Gove is set to receive a peerage as part of Rishi Sunak's resignation honours list, which is expected to be published on Friday, April 11, 2025. Gove, who has held multiple cabinet roles throughout his political career, stepped down as an MP during the last general election and is among a select group of former ministers who are anticipated to receive honours. This decision comes after months of speculation and delays surrounding the honours list, which may also include former Scottish secretary Alister Jack and former chief whip Simon Hart, both known allies of Sunak. Michael Gove’s awarded peerage could reignite longstanding tensions between him and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Gove played a significant role in the 2016 leadership contest that ultimately derailed Johnson's first bid for the premiership. Though Gove later became part of Johnson's cabinet, he was dismissed in the waning hours of Johnson's time in office, following internal pressures for him to resign. The context of Sunak’s decision to ennoble Gove is noted as being customary for outgoing prime ministers, who traditionally offer peerages to key supporters. Rishi Sunak’s honours list is poised to include a total of seven or eight names, following the precedents set by previous prime ministers Boris Johnson and Theresa May. This list adds another layer to the tradition of handing out acknowledgments to allies after exiting office, a practice that has been controversial at times. The mixing of personal records and political ties, particularly in this case with Gove and Johnson, raises questions about the appropriateness of the awards given the historical context of their relationships. In addition to Gove's peerage, Sunak has already conferred honours on a handful of close aides, which includes a peerage for Liam Booth-Smith, Sunak's former chief of staff, and a knighthood for deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden. Meanwhile, the climate around resignations and subsequent honours has become increasingly contentious, illustrated by the backlash Liz Truss faced for her own resignation honours list, which critics deemed excessive given the brevity of her time in office. As debates circulate regarding the overall size and composition of the House of Lords, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has committed to reducing the number of peers, yet he has also awarded several peerages since appointing his party to government. As the House of Lords currently contains approximately 800 unelected members against a backdrop of 650 elected MPs, this juxtaposition reflects ongoing discussions about reforming the UK's legislative body and managing its membership more effectively. This upcoming honours list thus situates Gove's peerage within broader conversations about patronage, governance, and the historical ramifications of political alliances in the UK.